Director Park in downtown Portland. Photo: KGilb.
The newest addition to the South Park Blocks, this half acre site was a lowly parking lot for many years before the land was donated to the city by real estate developer Tom Moyer. Transformed by a design team headed by internationally acclaimed Laurie Olin, it’s now a 44,000 square foot plaza built of honey-colored granite.
Director Park features a fountain dedicated to “all who educate & inspire” and a huge glass canopy for protected outdoor eating. It’s the perfect spot to stop and rest during a shopping trip downtown. At least, it is during the summer! (I haven’t yet had a chance to try it out during the winter rainy season) The antics of the kids playing in the water are sure to bring a smile to your face. And did I mention that it also has a cafe’ on site?
The Violetta (the name of one of my favorite characters in Italian opera) is “Portland’s fastest slow food.” This full service cafe’ serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Their menu includes a variety of items “made-from-scratch” with only fresh ingredients, grown locally. Walk-up espresso and coffee service is available from 6am to 9pm daily.
Simon & Helen Director Park is named for two immigrants who came to the Portland area from Europe during the early 1900’s. The Plaza is bounded by SW Park and Ninth Avenues, and by SW Yamhill and Taylor Streets. Check its precise location here on this map of downtown Portland.